The alarming statistic that highlights the Panthers’ depth of strength
The likely return of Dylan Edwards will mark just the fifth time this season – and the first since round 10 – that Penrith will start a game with their first-choice spine.
That the premiers sit just two points behind leaders Melbourne on the ladder despite the lengthy absences of Edwards, Nathan Cleary, Mitch Kenny and Jarome Luai points to the incredible depth and resilience within their squad.
Edwards (knee) and James Fisher-Harris (groin) were named on the Panthers’ extended bench, but only had to survive a training session late on Tuesday to be declared starters against the Storm at a packed BlueBet Stadium on Thursday night.
Victory by six points over the Storm will see Penrith finish the weekend in first place with three rounds remaining.
There is a sense the Panthers have again timed their run to perfection this season, with their second-string players able to keep the victories coming despite injuries to players in key positions.
Edwards suffered a knee injury yet played through the pain to help the Blues win Origin III at Suncorp Stadium. Cleary missed more than two months with a hamstring injury, while Kenny was suspended in round one – against the Storm – and later suffered a minor quad strain.
Luai noted the significance of Edwards and Fisher-Harris closing in on a return.
“They bring that level of consistency, intensity, you know they’ll always be there when the big moments come, and when they’re needed,” Luai said.
Fisher-Harris and Luai will depart at the end of the year for the Wests Tigers and New Zealand Warriors respectively. Fisher-Harris and fellow front-rower Moses Leota launched a special T-shirt during the week, which was designed by their respective partners and features a photo of the pair with the words ‘Last Ride’. They received more than 100 orders in the first hour.
Liam Martin’s suspension and injuries to Scott Sorensen and Luke Garner will force the Panthers to start with Mavrik Geyer and Liam Henry in the back row.
The Storm have had injuries to their own spine, with Ryan Papenhuyzen – who has never played at Penrith in any grade – Harry Grant, Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes restricted to eight NRL games together this year.
Elsewhere, Chad Townsend has been dumped to reserve grade and Jake Clifford named to start at halfback for North Queensland in their clash against the Raiders on Saturday.
Jack Bird has been named on the Dragons’ extended bench against the Gold Coast, and is likely No. 6 replacement should Kyle Flanagan be found guilty of biting at the judiciary. Mat Feagai replaces Moses Suli (knee) in the centres, while tough Titans skipper Kieran Foran celebrates 300 NRL games.
Shaun Johnson (quad) returns for the Warriors for their trip to Manly on Friday.
And Parramatta have named Ryan Matterson for Friday’s game against the Roosters, but will not play because of broken ribs, while Maika Sivo, who was named on the Eels’ extended bench, is expected to start.